Michigan Realtors

2019 MR/NAR Meetings Schedule

2018 NAR Directors

Congratulations 2019 Newly Elected Directors!

Sara Lipnitz
President

Sara Lipnitz, Associate Broker, SFR, PMN, has been involved in the real-estate industry for over 25 years; first in the com-mercial market, and for the past 16 years in residential sales. She is a top producing Realtor® in the Birmingham/Oakland County marketplace. Sara currently holds the following positions: National Association of Realtors®, RPAC Federal Fundraising Trustee Vice Chair, NAR Meeting and Federal Political Coordinator. Sara serves on the following committees for the Michigan Realtors®: RPAC Trustees, Budget & Finance Committee, Appraisal Man-agement Committee and the Personnel Committee. Locally, Sara sits on RPAC committee and Professional Standards Committee for the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors®. Past positions include: Michigan Realtors® Public Policy Committee,  Local Chapter President for WCR Birmingham-Bloomfield Chapter, WCR Michigan Ways & Means Committee Chair; GMAR Grievance Committee, GMAR Diversity Committee, GMAR Nominating Committee and GMAR RPAC Commit-tee. Sara is a graduate of the 2014 National Association of Realtors® Leadership Academy, was named the 2012 Realtor® of the Year for GMAR, 2015 Member of the Year for WCR and a Golden R President Circle member with RPAC. She is also the founding member of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Realtor® Network, established in 2006. Sara is also involved with several local charities and is active in her church.  

Matt Davis
President-Elect

Matt Davis, GRI, grew up in Historic Marshall Michigan graduating from Marshall High School in 1988 and subsequently a BS degree from Miami University in Oxford, OH in 1992. Matt, is a second generation Realtor® and Broker with Rosemary Davis REALTORS® in Marshall and has been active in community and Realtor® association service throughout his 20-year career. He has served 15 years on the BCAAR Board of Directors including 2 stints as President, was BCAAR’s Realtor® of the Year in 2004, 2007 and 2015. In 2015 Matt was recognized as Michigan Realtors®, REALTOR® of the Year as well. Matt has served the Michigan Realtors® as a member of; Public Policy Committee (Past Chair), Board of Directors District 7 Director, RPAC Trustees (Past Chair), Convention Committee, Budget Finance Committee, numerous task forces and was the proud recipient of the Michigan Realtors® Realtor® Active in Politics (RAP) Award in 2005. In 2012, Matt was appointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder as a professional member of the State Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. He was re-appointed in 2016 and is the current Chairperson of that licensing board. Nationally, Matt was appointed as the Michigan RPMIC (Realtor® Party Member Involvement Committee for NAR in 2006, and in that position serves as a “whip” for Michigan’s 16 Federal Political Coordinators (FPC’s) as well as coordinating NAR grassroots activity in Michigan. He was FPC for former Congressman Joe Schwarz (MI-7), and is the current FPC for Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-7), and has also served on the NAR Grassroots Strategic Plan workgroup and the NAR Public Policy Coordinating Committee. Married to Leigh for 15 years, he has 2 daughters at home, Kendall (14) and Madelyn (11). Matt enjoys Waterford crystal, breeding chinchillas, and Pierogis.

Maureen Francis
Treasurer

In 1992, Maureen Francis left the United States to work as a business advisor in the first group of US Peace Corps volunteers to serve in the former Soviet Union. After nearly a decade in advertising and management consulting in Ukraine, Maureen found a new calling: residential real estate sales in Birmingham, Michigan. Maureen and her husband, Dmitry Koublitsky, have helped home buyers and sellers share their love for all that Metro Detroit offers since 2001. Maureen was President of the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® in 2014 and was honored as Realtor® of the Year in 2015. She’s served on the Realcomp Shareholders Committee and numerous committees at the local, state and national level. Maureen is a graduate of NAR’s Leadership Academy and an RPAC Golden R President’s Circle investor.  

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Robert Campau
Chief Executive Officer

Robert Campau, Esq. is a veteran lobbyist who joined Michigan Realtors® in February of 1996. He serves as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Michigan Realtors®, he was Director of Environmental Affairs for the Michigan Manufacturers Association. He received a BA in communications from Michigan State University and Jurist Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  

Patty Young
Local AE Representative 

Patty has been the Executive Officer with the Midland Board of Realtors® since 1989. She was previously employed by Wolverine Federal Savings & Loan as the VP of Human Resources. Young attended Delta College. She currently holds the RCE designation and the e-PRO certification through NAR. She has served as President of the Michigan Realtor® Association Executive Council, as well as serving on many of their committees over the years. Her previous Michigan Realtors® activities include service on the Michigan Realtors® convention committee and on several Michigan Realtors® task force appointments, also serving a prior Michigan Realtors® Director term as the MRAEC President.

Cyd Debol
CBOR Representative

Born and raised a proud Michigander, Cyd moved to Ann Arbor in ’80. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and never left the Ann Arbor area having embraced it’s beauty, traditional feel of the University, and it’s unique identity. Cyd has spent the majority of years since graduation in the sales, marketing and management of building service contracting and commercial real estate. She has been Office Operations Manager of Swisher Commercial, Ann Arbor’s preeminent commercial real estate firm, since 2002 and a licensed Realtor® since 2004. In addition, Cyd is a member of the Commercial Board of Realtors® (CBOR) for the State of Michigan and has served as a Director of CBOR since 2014. She also currently serves on the executive team as the CBOR Treasurer, and dedicates time to the Commercial Property Information Exchange (CPIX®) committee.

John Francis
CAR Representative

John Francis has been a commercial broker in Michigan since the Fall of 1994 working with both Francis Realty Co. and Prime Development Co. John has been an active owner, broker, developer and building manager of real estate throughout the state of Michigan. John graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Sciences majoring in real estate. John has served two separate terms on the board of the Commercial Alliance of Realtors®, most recently serving as its President in 2013 and earning the Realtor® of the Year award in 2014. In addition to the local board, John has served one year on the board for the CCIM Michigan chapter, has been a RPAC Trustee and Policy Committee member of the Michigan Realtors®. John has also been the Grand Rapids President for (BOMA) Building Owners and Managers Association and a former member of the Kent County Agricultural Preservation Board. John earned his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation October of 2001. Outside of work he stays busy with his blended family of six kids, enjoys reading, exercise and downhill skiing.

Jim Fase 
Large Office Representative

It’s true. Jim is an SOB, Son of a Broker. And a BOB, Brother of a Broker. For his entire life, the Sunday afternoon dinner conversation at the Fase home revolved around the Real Estate business. The belief in the American Dream, homeownership, runs deep with the entire Fase family. Father, Don Fase, began his real estate career in 1952. Brother, Steve Fase, in 1973, and today Jim is joined by his nephew, Steve Fase Jr. and his son Patrick who is one of the youngest brokers in Michigan. All are committed to providing excellence in brokerage services, professionalism through the Code of Ethics, and growth of the Real Estate industry. Jim was first licensed in May of 1977. He joined the family business and has learned something new every day since then. Jim is an active airplane pilot, a gentleman farmer, and happily married to his wife, Jacquie. They have five children, nine grandchildren, and the family dog, Remi. They reside in Rockford, Michigan. 

Stuart Elsea
Large Office Representative

Stuart Elsea has served as President – Financial Services for Real Estate One since 1998. He and his brother, Dan, share leadership of the company. This is the third generation of Elsea’s to manage the company started by Staunton Elsea in 1929 as Elsea Realty. It is family owned and Michigan based. Stuart received his B.A. in Accounting from Michigan State and his MBA in Finance at Miami University. He has held many positions, including Sales Associate, Branch Manager, Vice President, and now President. Stuart and his wife Judy reside in Clarkston, Michigan. They have two adult sons.  He enjoys boating, exercising, reading, and golf. Stuart has a special passion for the Real Estate One Charitable Foundation which supports Special Olympics of Michigan, Multiple Sclerosis, Leukemia Lymphoma, Alzheimer’s, Forgotten Harvest and Third Level Crisis Center. Encouraging involvement both financially and by volunteering, Stuart leads by example, giving many hours of his time to these charities. Employees of Real Estate One are encouraged to take one day with pay each year to volunteer as well as to contribute with fund raisers and payroll deductions which support these organizations. Stuart serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Realtors® and the Michigan Realtors®. He is a past Michigan RPAC Trustee and member of the RPAC Hall of Fame. Stuart is a member of the Michigan Association of Realtors® and the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors®. He is also a member of The Realty Alliance and is Chairman of RESPRO. Stuart formerly served for 9 years on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Michigan.

Carol Griffith
Past - President Representative

Carol Griffith is a 3rd generation Realtor. She and her brother Scott Griffith (past MR President) have owned and operated Griffith Realty in Livingston County since 1981. Carol is a Broker and holds Emeritus status. As a lifelong resident of Livingston County, Carol has been a consummate volunteer and advocated for her profession and community. Her involvement with the Livingston County Association of REALTORS® includes holding nearly every leadership position including President, over 40 years. She has been named Livingston County’s REALTOR® of The Year three times by her peers. Her involvement with Michigan Realtors® includes; Director serving two terms before being elected Treasurer, President Elect and President – 2014. In addition she is a past Chair of Public Policy and received the prestigious REALTOR®-Active-In-Politics award. She is a major donor to RPAC and continues to be a participant of  NAR’s President’s Circle. Carol’s involvement with the National Association of Realtors® includes; 2017 Liaison; Realtor Party Disbursements, Realtor Party; State and Local Trustees Committee and NAR Issues Mobilization Committee. Carol is the Federal Political Coordinator for District 8-Congressman Mike Bishop. Giving back to the community is a priority for Griffith Realty. Carol continues to serve numerous leadership positions and affiliations locally:  Howell Rotary (past President), Brighton & Howell Chamber of Commerce, Livingston County United Way; Co-Chair for Fundraising, Cleary University, Helen’s Circle and more. Carol is also an elected official: Livingston County Board of Commissioners since 2009.  

Meagan Luce
District 1 Director

Meagan Luce is a top producer and Associate Broker at Century 21 Northland in Traverse City. Meagan first became involved in real estate in 2000 as a successful real estate investor and then obtained her license in 2008. Meagan has held all executive positions on the Traverse Area Association of Realtors® (TAAR) board including President in 2014. Meagan is currently serving her second term as the Michigan Realtors® District 1 Director, serves as the chair of the RPAC Committee at her local association and has most recently been appointed as her State Representative for the 2018 Major Investor Council. Meagan is also serving her sixth year on the Board of Trustees for The Pathfinder School. Meagan resides in Traverse City with her husband and two children.

Michelle Teitsma
District 2 Director

Michelle is an Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt in Grand Haven and has over 20 years of experience in residential real estate. She has earned the Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designations, is a graduate of the first Michigan Realtors® Leadership Academy and a trained mediator with the National Association of Realtors®. She currently serves on the Michigan Realtors® Public Policy committee and locally on the Government Affairs Committee and Professional Standards Committee. She was the 2014 President of the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors®, a past president of the Lakeshore Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors® and an RPAC Major Investor. Michelle holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from Western Michigan University.  

Michael Bass
District 3 Director

Born and raised in northern Ohio, I moved to the Grand Rapids area after graduating from Ohio State University. I spent my first few years building and remodeling homes. In 1983 I was licensed as a Realtor® and went to work with a local firm. In 1986 I received my Brokers license and opened my own real estate company. In 1990 I sold my business and joined Greenridge Realty, Inc. In 2000 I moved up to become V.P. of Sales. As part of the leadership of one of West Michigan’s largest real estate firms I am dedicated to improving and growing our real estate brokerage company, as well as protecting private property rights, encouraging high ethical standards, and promoting our industry. I am currently Associate Broker and V.P. of Compliance with Greenridge Realty and hold the G.R.I., and CRB designations. I have been a member in good standing with the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors® (GRAR) for 34 years. I have served on the GRAR Board of Directors, and am a Past President of GRAR. I have served on the Michigan Realtors® Board of Directors as well, and have been honored as local GRAR Realtor® of the Year.

Tom Darger
District 4 Director

Tom is an Associate Broker with 25 years of experience in residential and commercial properties. He participated in the Michigan Realtors® Land Use Academy; he is a Michigan Realtors® trained mediator and has attended leadership conferences. He is an active member of the Midland Board of Realtors® serving as Past President Director, RPAC Co-Chair and as a member of the Tri-County Professional Standards Committee, with prior positions of PR Chair, Treasurer, Vice-President, and 2013 President. Tom is a lifelong Midland/Michigan resident. His education includes a BA from SVSU, and a fellowship from Michigan State University.  

Sue Shangle
District 5 Director

Sue Shangle has prepared herself for the District Director position since she first became a licensed Realtor® in 1993. She has provided leadership to her local board of Realtors® and is now prepared to move forward on the state level. Sue is an Associate Broker, Office Manager, corporate trainer and company top producer. She has served on multiple committees, is a Past President of East Central Association of Realtors® and holds GRI,  SFR, and  SRES designations. Sue was inspired to follow in the footsteps of many great leaders from her local area and will devote her efforts to keeping Michigan Realtors® informed and present in the process of decisions over the next 2 years. Sue is a major contributor to RPAC, has regularly attended Michigan Realtors® conventions, volunteers for charitable organizations and believes in helping her fellow Realtors® and community, it is JUST the right thing to do!  Sue currently sits on the ECAR Budget and Finance, RPAC and Professional Standards committees, a local association Mediator as well as 3 other Realtor® associations in the state: actively involved with Realtors® Who Care, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, and Area 11 Special Olympics. Sue resides in Grand Blanc, Michigan with her husband Bill and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter Reese! She takes time to go camping, play golf and loves to support her favorite sports teams.

Natalie Rowe
District 6 Director

In 2006, Natalie earned her Real Estate license, then obtained her Associate Broker License in 2016. On January 1, 2017, she transitioned from Sales Associate and Officer Manager to Broker-Owner at RE/MAX Advantage in Portage. Natalie served as a Director-at-Large for 3 years and during that time she served as the liaison for the Education and Advocacy Committees. Additionally, she was appointed to the Budget & Finance Committee, where she served for 3 years, and continues to serve. Prior to serving as a Director, Natalie was a member of the Community Relations Committee for 3 years. In 2015, Natalie served as President-Elect, and in 2016 as President of GKAR. In addition, Natalie was selected to be part of the inaugural Michigan Realtors® Leadership Academy. Over her tenure Natalie has earned her Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Graduate Real Estate Institute (GRI), Short Sale Foreclosure Resource (SFR) designations. 

Mark Baker
District 7 Director

Having obtained a real estate license before graduating high school, Mark Baker quickly grew into a full-time REALTOR® from working in the family’s construction business. At just 21 years of age he opened his own firm which he has built into the largest independent real estate company in Lenawee County, with 38 agents in 3 offices. Baker serves his local, state and national REALTOR® associations in numerous capacities. He was President of the Lenawee County Association of REALTORS® in 2007 and 2011 and was named their REALTOR® of the Year in 2008 and 2014, additionally being named Michigan REALTOR of the year in 2014. He has served on numerous local committees and task forces over the past 18 years and continues to service to this day. He was been appointed to the NAR’s Business Issues Committee in 2012, and in 2013, was asked to Co-Chair this committee in addition to serving on a NAR Presidential Advisory Group. He has previously served as FPC to Congressman Walberg and was inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame in May of 2013. He currently is an RPAC Trustee for the Michigan Association of REALTORS® as well as Past-Chair of the Broker Involvement Committee for NAR.

Marianne McCreary
District 8 Director

Marianne McCreary moved to Brighton Michigan in 1988, where she began her Real Estate Career. She had the privilege of working for two successful Real Estate firms the first 20 years of her profession. In 2008 she opened her own company where she is a Co-Owner; Associate Broker of Partners Real Estate Professionals, located in Livingston County. She was a member of the Livingston County Board of Directors from 2010 to 2015 where she also served as President. She was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in Genoa Township in 2010 and still serves as a member of that committee in addition to being a member of the Board of Review. Marianne is a firm believer of education, professionalism and ethics. She has served on the State Public Policy committee and State PAG for Big Data. She is a member of several LCAR (Livingston County Association of Realtors®) committees as well. Additionally, she was a member of the Task force at Realcomp during the Class Action lawsuit and the negotiations with GLR to accomplish data sharing. An advocate of being involved and a proponent for representing the Realtor® industry with pride, she is honored to be a part of the State Board of Directors and is a Sterling RPAC contributor. Marianne has been married to her husband Bill, a Mortgage Broker, for 36 years. They have three children: Bill, Danielle and Caitlin.

Jane Lowell
District 9 Director

Jane Lowell began her career in real estate in 2010, at the bottom of the “crash”. Bringing with her a wealth of experience in construction, design, and home staging, Max Broock Realtors is the place she calls home. Achieving “Rookie of the Year” status in 2011, Jane joined forces with Dawn Pfaff and Dawna Kuhne, creating The Property Strategists, a real estate partnership. Jane currently serves on the Grievance Committee of her local GMAR association. She is also very active in the local and state network of Women’s Council of Realtors® and Oakland County’s Habitat for Humanity Women Build Steering Committee. Jane loves spending time with her family, traveling, hiking and golfing.

Shelley Schoenherr
District 10 Director

Shelley Schoenherr, GRI, CRS is resident of Fair Haven and an Associate Broker with Advantage Realty in Chesterfield Township. Her career began as a Realtor® in 1976. She serves on the Political Affairs, Professional Standards & RPAC Committees. She served as a Director for her Association for 9 years and worked through 2 mergers of the Associations. Shelley has served as a committee member on the Michigan Realtors® Public Policy Committee. She is an Author and approved instructor for GRI, Code of Ethics, Continuing Education, Brokers and Pre-license courses. Shelley has served as the Federal Political Coordinator for the Honorable Congresswoman Candice Miller. Shelley received the Community Service award and the Realtor® Action in Politics from her local Association. Shelley has worked on several Habitat for Humanity projects and been active in many fund-raising projects including the Chesterfield Seniors, Rails to Trails and Howard’s Friend Bike Ride. Shelley enjoys biking, running, water activities, her three “darling” daughters and the grandkids! Shelley believes Realtors® should be of service to both their profession and their community.

James Iodice
District 11 Director

James Iodice provides a unique perspective having a strong commercial background and currently sells and leases in both the residential and commercial markets. James is an associate broker, and has been selling and leasing real estate since early 2000. He has had the opportunity to serve as a member of the Michigan Realtors® Public Policy Committee 2012, 2013, 2014 and the 2015 Vice Chair, and 2016 Chair. Iodice currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® and was elected as the 2018 President. He is a Presidents Circle member of RPAC. Iodice was appointed to the 2018 Public Policy Coordinating Committee for the National Association of Realtors®. His local committee work includes participation in grievance, RPAC, Governmental Affairs, Member Engagement, and Finance, and has been appointed to the Waterford Township Economic Development Corporation. Iodice is an 3rd Degree Black Belt and an avid martial artist. His civic involvement includes extensive participating in the local Relay For Life as a Team Captain and holding varied chair positions for the past 6 years.

Sandi Smith

District 12 Director

Sandi Smith, GRI, e-PRO, first entered real estate while still a college student at the University of Michigan. She joined the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors and quickly became engaged at the committee level and served as a Director. Sandi was honored as the 2007 Realtor of the Year. She has also been engaged in the Ann Arbor community, serving 2 terms on City Council and 3 terms on the Downtown Development Authority. Sandi is a past chair for the Jim Toy Community Center and currently serves as President of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, a unique coalition of over 30 non-profit and government entities that are committed to ending homelessness in our community. She is the co-founder and Associate Broker of Trillium Real Estate in Downtown Ann Arbor.

Reggie Fluker
District 13 Director

First licensed in 1981 and a Realtor® for about 23 years, Reggie Fluker, MBA, has been a broker since 1988. He is presently the managing Associate Broker of Aaron Associates Incorporated/Amazing! Real Estate Solutions in Detroit.  As an adjunct instructor, Reggie also provides salesperson and broker pre-licensing instruction and continuing education for Michigan Institute of Real Estate in Southfield. For several years, Reggie has co-chaired the Government Affairs Committee of Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (GMAR); which has allowed him to participate in GMAR’s and Michigan Realtors® political and government relations efforts.  Fluker is serving the second year of his first term as a Michigan Realtor® Director. Professionally, Fluker’s licensed real estate career evolved somewhat differently than the norm, which has allowed him to develop rather unique skills and expertise.  As a newly licensed salesperson, Reggie’s first seven years were spent as a real estate legal assistant for an attorney/broker.  Later, as an independent broker, he was recruited by senior management of a major bank to originate mortgage loans in an effort to resolve the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) deficiencies. Even later he was retained by a national commercial mortgage loan servicer to perform annual collateral inspections of buildings up to 200,000 sq ft., performed HUD-HQS/REAC inspections for large housing developments, and performed FEMA inspections in devastated out-state areas. Another major assignment was a mayoral appointment with the Detroit Housing Commission, during which time Reggie was principally responsible for the operational turnaround of several high-rise apartment buildings, administered the agency’s homeownership programs, and managed a $194 million HUD HOPE VI community revitalization project, that included infrastructure renovations, new building constructions, and major rehabilitation of existing buildings on a 43 acre site. Academically, Reggie holds a Bachelor degree in corporate finance, an MBA degree in taxation/accounting, and a Certificate in Economic Development, all from Wayne State University. Fluker also holds the following Realtor® designations/certifications: ABR, SFR, SRES, BPOR.

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E'toile Libbett
District 14 Director

Licensed since 1986, Dr. E’toile L. Libbett is an Associate Broker/Owner of Starlite Properties in Southfield, Michigan. Etoile’s (pronounced A-twal) thirty-one years of full time real estate consulting and training has given her experience in everything from buyer agency, first -time buyers, multifamily housing, relocation, short sales to condos and new construction. Because she believes in trying to make a positive impact anywhere she can, she is an active member of the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors® and the Detroit Association of Realtors® as well as a past President of that association. E’toile also serves on the Board of Directors of Michigan Realtors® and has chaired and served on many committees and task forces. E’toile has also chaired the following committees at the National Association of Realtors® (NAR): Housing Opportunity Advisory Subcommittee, Board Leadership Forum, Medium Board Sub forum, the Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity committee and the Equal Opportunity-Cultural Diversity forum. While chairing the Cultural Diversity Committee, the strategic plan for minority outreach was developed, along with, the original “At Home with Diversity” course. She has served on the following NAR committees: Strategic Planning, Public Policy Coordinating Committee, Federal Housing Policy, Issues Mobilization Committee and numerous working groups and forums and has been a Federal Political Coordinator. Currently she is a member of the Housing Opportunity Committee and the Federal Political Coordinator to Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. Dr. Libbett is a strong advocate for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. She is a Fair Housing and Diversity instructor and a pass board member of the Metropolitan Detroit Fair Housing Center. In 2003, E’toile received an award from the Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan, having helped to establish that organization. In 2005, she received the Fair Housing Leadership award from the Metropolitan Detroit Fair Housing Center. Dr. Libbett’s alma mater is Howard University, were she received a B.S. and D.D.S. degrees. E’toile is a veteran of the United States Army. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a national service sorority. She is married to Dave Libbett, III.